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What is Hydrocodone Detox Like at a Florida Detox Center?

Hydrocodone is a prescription opioid medication used to treat severe pain by changing the way your brain responds to pain signals.[1] Hydrocodone is one of the most widely prescribed opioids in the U.S., and in 2021, the number of reported deaths involving prescription opioids totaled 16,706.”[2]

While hydrocodone is effective in helping people cope with pain, it is only intended for short-term use because it is known to be habit-forming and addictive. If you or a loved one have become addicted to hydrocodone, abruptly stopping it can result in withdrawal symptoms.

If you or a loved one is struggling with hydrocodone addiction, seeking professional help at a Florida detox center is a crucial first step toward recovery. To learn about your hydrocodone detox options in South Florida or to get started on your recovery, please contact our team at Mandala Healing Center today.

Symptoms of Hydrocodone Withdrawal

Hydrocodone withdrawal is caused by physical dependence on the drug. Physical dependence occurs when the body becomes accustomed to the presence of a drug and adapts to its effects. Over time, the body may require higher doses of the drug to achieve the same effect, leading to increased tolerance.

When hydrocodone use is abruptly stopped or significantly reduced, the body may go into withdrawal as it tries to readjust to functioning without the drug. Withdrawal occurs as the body experiences a range of physical and psychological symptoms that can be uncomfortable and challenging to manage.

The severity of hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the duration and intensity of use, as well as individual factors such as age, health status, and genetic makeup. Generally, the longer and more frequent the use of hydrocodone, the more intense and prolonged the withdrawal symptoms can be.

Symptoms of hydrocodone withdrawal may include:[3]

Anxiety and panic
Feelings of agitation
Dilated pupils
Diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting
Flu-like symptoms (i.e. chills, fever, runny nose, teary eyes)
Excessive sweating
Yawning
Trouble sleeping
Pain in the joints and muscles
Depression

While the symptoms of hydrocodone withdrawal are not usually life-threatening, they can become fatal if left untreated. For example, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive sweating can cause you to become dehydrated. Without access to IV fluids, you could become so dehydrated that you experience life-threatening symptoms.

Hydrocodone detox centers in Florida can provide you with medications and treatment services that help you overcome hydrocodone withdrawal safely and comfortably.

How is Hydrocodone Withdrawal Treated in a Florida Detox Facility?

If you are considering attending a hydrocodone detox program in Florida, you might be wondering what to expect. Detox involves a combination of services, including an assessment, comfort medications, 24/7 monitoring of physical and mental health, as well as treatment planning for further programs.

Initial Assessment

Everyone who suffers from a substance use disorder might deal with different symptoms. Additionally, the length and intensity of your withdrawal heavily depend on a variety of factors, including how long, frequently, and at what dosage you consumed hydrocodone.

As a result, you will undergo an initial assessment upon arriving at a Florida detox program. During this assessment, you will answer questions like:

How long have you been abusing hydrocodone
How much hydrocodone do you use at once
How frequently do you use hydrocodone?
Do you abuse any other substances?
Do you suffer from any co-occurring mental or physical health conditions?
Have you ever been to a detox facility before?

Your answers to these questions will provide the medical staff with the information they need to create an individualized detox plan. In other words, the services you receive will be specifically tailored to your needs.

Medications

To limit your symptoms of withdrawal and prevent you from experiencing cravings, you might be prescribed FDA-approved opioid replacement medications like methadone or buprenorphine.

Methadone is a full opioid agonist, which means it reduces symptoms of withdrawal while blocking the effects of other opioid substances.[4]

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that limits withdrawal symptoms without posing a risk of misuse.[5]

Depending on your symptoms, you could be prescribed clonidine. Clonidine reduces anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, sweating, runny nose, and cramping that are associated with opioid withdrawal.[3]

24/7 Monitoring

In addition to medications, your health will be monitored consistently for your safety. Nurses and medical staff will also routinely monitor your vital signs such as your body temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure so the medical staff can respond to any health issues you experience before they become serious.

Because withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to cope with emotionally, you will have 24/7 access to mental health professionals. They can talk you through whatever psychological symptoms you are experiencing, such as anxiety, agitation, or depression.

Treatment Planning

Lastly, once you complete the detoxification process the medical and mental health staff members will collaborate with you to provide you with a treatment plan. Because hydrocodone detox is only the first step in recovery, they will likely refer you to an inpatient or outpatient opioid addiction treatment program.

During inpatient or outpatient rehab, you will participate in evidence-based behavioral therapies, group counseling, and relapse prevention planning. These services provide you with everything you need to achieve and maintain long-term sobriety.

Find a Hydrocodone Detox Center in Florida Today

When you are addicted to an opioid like hydrocodone, attending a trusted detox center is vital to your recovery. Withdrawal symptoms can be extremely difficult to cope with, often causing people to relapse when they attempt to detox at home. Florida detox programs like Mandala Healing Center can provide you with the support and tools you need to successfully overcome the first step of recovery.

To learn more about our hydrocodone detox program in Florida, contact Mandala Healing Center today.

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